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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:08:03 GMT -5
“It’s making the king furious.” Firelight chimed in, popping her head into view as well. Blade glided through her window, his sides heaving. “What is going on out there? There are humans everywhere.” Blade said. “I thought it would be easy to meet you up here, Anella.” “Laura’s missing.” Firelight said. “Where have you two been all day?” “Being detained by Tallith,” Anella said, “Is everyone all right?” “Pretty much,” Firelight said, going on to tell her about Raythor’s burn, Markus’s near drowning and Laura’s confession. “Raythor was asking for you.” Nightshade’s voice floated lazily through the sheets, “He’s just down the hall.” “Thank you for telling me,” Anella said, flushed, “Shouldn’t I be looking for Laura, though?” “I’ll take Laura, you take Raythor.” Blade offered. “Well… all right. I guess that will be ok.” Anella said hesitantly. She took a final glance at the mirror, and left. Three snouts disappeared as she went.
****
Raythor and Dasher were the only two left in the once well populated room. Dasher didn’t have the energy to change shape again, and there were too many people outside for her to leave. She let her front legs dangle off the edge of her chair, swinging one paw back and forth. Raythor stared at it as though it were hypnotic. “How’s your burn?” Anella asked, as she shut the door behind her. Raythor glanced up, his eyes glazed over. Then he recognized her and smiled. “Fine, considering my nurse has disappeared.” He answered softly. “It’s starting to soak through,” Dasher said lazily, not even bothering to lift her head off her paws. “It is?” “Just a little bit, but it’s hard to see under all that black. Maybe you should try some colors.” “You’re starting to sound like Rose.” “I bet I could change that bandage for you. I had enough practice with my own.” Anella suggested. “That’s a good idea. It would be tragic for Raythor to have to wear another black garment.” Dasher said cattily. Raythor sighed. Then he focused on Anella. “You don’t have to, if it bothers you. Rea came in here earlier and had to leave to throw up.” “I don’t mind. Besides, Rea does that anyway.” Anella said. “I’ll be right back.” Dasher waited until the door had slid shut to say: “What’s going on between the two of you?” Dasher asked, yawning. “What gave you that idea?” Raythor said dismissively. “You would have listened to me earlier if there wasn’t something between you; you even hesitated before you left. If it had been anyone else, you wouldn’t have gone.” “Sometimes I forget that our minds twist in the same sort of spiral.” “So?” “Nothing is going on.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:08:20 GMT -5
“You’re going to have to take your shirt off, you know.” “Can’t I just roll my sleeve up?” “Of course not, it’s on your shoulder.” Dasher said. Anella came back in, looking slightly pensive. Raythor tossed his shirt at Dasher, who just let it sit there on top of her head. “Raythor, Nightshade said you wanted to talk to me,” Anella said, starting on his shoulder. “I just wanted to tell you that Kenetari’s latest threat was aimed at you,” Raythor said. “For what ever reason, she wants me to stay away from you. If I don’t, she’s going to kill you. It’s been bothering me.” “Shockingly, you don’t look like it.” Dasher said with another yawn, through the cloth of Raythor’s cast away. “I’m a very light sleeper and I’m rarely ever alone.” Anella said. “I’m not much of a threat, either. I’m sure she was just trying to torment you.” “I agree. How can she watch us all the time, anyway? It’s not as though there’s some sort of spy among us.” “Just take care of yourself, all right Anella?” Raythor insisted. Anella frowned. “Oh, Raythor, this burn looks just terrible. Does it hurt?” “Not much.” He lied easily. Anella dabbed at the wound with a wet cloth. Raythor adopted an expression of indifference. “They must have found Laura by now.” Dasher whined. “I want to get out of this room. I am so bored.” “She really told Markus she loved him?” Anella asked, beginning to reapply the bandage. “I really thought Laura never would.” “Someone must have talked her into it. Usually, I’d think it wasn’t the best idea, but in this case it made sense.” “I know, she made the right choice.” “Dare I ask what you two are talking about?” Raythor interrupted. Dasher actually lifted her head to answer him: “The guy is supposed to say it first, so that it looks like his idea. I guess I forgot that you are a guy.” “Thanks Dasher, I’ll remember that.” “I’d go off by myself too, if I’d been waiting that long to tell someone I loved them.” Anella commented. Dasher nodded. “Wouldn’t you want to know if they like you too first?” Raythor asked. “Don’t be silly.” Dasher chided. “If they don’t say it up front, it’s going to take them some time to get used to the idea.” “I feel like Markus. I don’t understand any of this.” “We can’t find her.” Markus strode in, Kylara behind him. The girl’s gaze immediately drifted to Raythor. “It’s my fault.” “She’ll come back. Laura probably just needed some time to herself.” Anella said soothingly, her hand resting lightly on Raythor’s good shoulder. Kylara glared at her. “I guess you’re right,” Markus said wearily, “I don’t know what I’d say to her now anyway.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:08:41 GMT -5
“Let me go and search for Laura. I need to get out of this room.” Raythor pleaded. He stood up and grabbed his top half from Dasher’s head, slipping it back on. “Thanks, Anella.” “I’ll come too. We can’t have you out there alone with Kenetari breathing down our necks.” Kylara said smoothly. “Me too,” Anella said quickly. “My sister is targeting you,” Raythor said, face blank. “If you got hurt, because of my carelessness, I’d never forgive myself.” “You’re asking me to stay here?” Anella said. “And you think I’m helpless,” She added to herself. “Please try to understand.” “I understand perfectly.” Anella answered curtly. Kylara seemed thoroughly pleased as she and Raythor walked away. Anella just felt like she didn’t want to move.
Chapter Thirty Two
Escape
Kenetari sat idly, legs crossed, a bored expression on her face. She had never before realized how amazingly boring being in charge could be. Sabbath walked in as she was thinking this, and she very nearly smiled like a normal person. “Daddy, darling,” She crooned happily, “What brings you here?” “You went to the castle, didn’t you?” Sabbath said blandly, furrowing his brow. The skin on his face was so tight it had very little effect. “What if I did? Does that matter?” “Was your brother there? And I don’t mean Jason.” She visibly flinched. “I suppose he was.” “Don’t aggravate the past.” “I know what I can handle. Lydrion and I have been over and over this.” “Every time you see him, he gets to you.” “One little stab is nothing,” Kenetari said in a disinterested fashion, running her fingers over the tear in her dress. “Besides, I told him why they had to die. That really should have satisfied him, I really don’t know why he’s being so touchy.” “Yes, well, stay on your guard.” Sabbath said. For a moment, staring at that face, she was a lost child again. The black thing had controlled her then, enveloped her completely. Sabbath had gotten rid of it for her, something her parents has never been able to do. At first, Sabbath had just been there, watching her as she minded her brother. Kenetari had eventually started babbling to him aimlessly, as children do, and she got used to him. She told him of the black thing that wouldn’t go away, no matter what she did. Sabbath seemed very interested in it, wanted to get rid of it as much as she did. Before, he hadn’t been sure she had the potential he needed. The black thing had changed his mind. Kenetari had told him alone that it demanded blood to let her go. When she was nine, she had finally given it what it wanted.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:08:56 GMT -5
Benvolio came into the room with a man Caldria didn’t recognize, smiling ear to ear. They both stared at her with their disturbing violet, eyes. “This,” The younger boy said cheerfully, “Is my brother.” “I think I could have guessed that. Jason, right?” Caldria said, not really caring. “He wants to help me get you out of here.” “Good for him.” “I figured you wouldn’t believe me.” “I apologize for not making it here sooner,” Jason said smoothly, extending a hand. Caldria shook it, shifting the baby and sighing. “I understand you are the wife of David Catshadow?” “Yeah, and this is Emma.” Cally said, with a very fake smile. “I am just so thrilled to meet another blood relative of the delightful Kenetari.” “She doesn’t know that I’m here. I’ve ordered the servants not to tell her.” “She isn’t going to leave Lydrion’s room, because he isn’t here and she’s in charge.” Benvolio said excitedly. “It’ll be really easy to get you out of here, with Jason’s help.” “Aren’t you going to take the fall for this?” Cally asked, looking a little concerned for the boy. “No, you are. I’m going to tell them you tricked me. Lydrion’ll be mad at you anyway, so it shouldn’t matter.” “No, it shouldn’t.” Caldria said. She found herself staring out the open door, into the hallway.
****
“How long have you known, Rose?” “I’m not exactly sure. A long time.” “I guess everyone has.” “She…Mary… ‘Happiness waits, if only you can see this through.’” “That’s another poem, isn’t it?” “Yes. In the end of this one, though, the boy dies. Right now that doesn’t sound so bad.” “Markus…” “No, it all right. I’m being stupid. I’m always stupid.” “Markus, you’re not…” But he was gone.
****
“Rose,” Gabriel tried. She ignored him, pushing away the branches around her and screaming ‘Laura’ every few seconds. “Rose,” Gabriel said again. She continued to ignore him. He reached out and grabbed her arm. Rose turned back, glaring. “What the hell do you want, Gabriel?” She yelled. “Maybe we should go in now. I really don’t think we’re going to find Laura tonight.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:09:12 GMT -5
“We have to find Laura tonight.” “Because of Markus?” “This has nothing to do with him.” “It has everything to do with him.” Gabriel frowned, letting go of her arm. “I didn’t mean that. I just think that you’re tired, and neither of us are doing a good job of searching right now. All right?” “I guess…” Rose said inaudibly. “It’s not just Markus… I mean, it is him. It’s Laura, too. She’s one of the first friends I’ve made in a long time.” “You have a lot of friends. I’m your friend.” “Thank you,” Rose said quietly. “He would have married you.” “I know that,” She insisted, “But I kept telling myself I wouldn’t make Ketra’s mistake, and that I wouldn’t listen to her. It’s not a mistake, not if I love him or thought I did. I could’ve told myself that I’m doing this for Ketra, or Laura, or Markus, but I know I’m not. It just feels right. We were never meant to be together, from the day we were born. Ketra is my best friend, and she saw that long before I did. I think Markus saw it too.” “I understand,” Gabriel said simply, “but you deserve to happy, too.” “Let’s go back.”
****
Laura was still not back yet, and now it was too dark to see. Everybody was getting worried, but nobody was saying so. Markus was upset enough already and still blaming himself. Blade was now his only company, as the shadow prince was to spend a no doubt uncomfortable night under the prince’s bed. “She’ll be fine,” Blade reassured him, for about the hundredth time. “I want to talk to her, but she isn’t here.” Markus intoned listlessly. Most of what he said either involved Laura or made little sense. “I want my brother to find a new hobby,” Blade said, perfectly aware of how little Markus was actually listening. Suddenly, his gray eyes gained a faint flicker of awareness. “Do you think she was lying?” “About what?” Blade had stopped asking who, at this point. “Everything. Is Laura really nice?” “Yeah, she’s pretty nice.” “I just had the strangest thought.” “Lay it the heck on me.” Blade said indulgently. “Why has Laura been so nice to me for all these years?” “Either because she’s a genuinely nice person or because she loves you. Or, possibly, both.” “Exactly. She loves me.” Markus said. “It’s the scariest thought I’ve ever had.” “Why is that?” Blade humored, studying the jagged notch in his tail. “Laura bought me a new sword with her own money. Because she loves me. She helped me train Eclipse, even though Eclipse doesn’t like her. Because she loves me. She let’s my father yell at her all the time, and she’s never once tried to leave. Because-”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:09:27 GMT -5
“She loves you.” Blade said, starting to understand. “All this time, you’ve thought she’s spending time with you just because you were alone, that she wanted nothing from you, but…” “She did. She loved me.” “You have no idea if anything you ever did ever made a real impression.” “Or if she was just trying to impress me all this time.” “She could use everything you’ve ever told her against you, in a way…” “It gets worse.” Markus said, leaning forward slightly. “How can it possibly get worse?” “Every time I’ve ever touched her…” “You’re right…” “When I put my arm around her shoulder, or brushed past her in the hall, kissed her on the cheek…” “What about Rose?” “I don’t know. What about her?” “Does Laura know that Rose kissed you?” “No…” “Do not let her find out.” “Why not?” “If you want to get anywhere with Laura, that is a bad foot to start on.” Blade explained. “It happened to my brother, Auria nearly left him.” “She didn’t?” “Well, no. But it was a very close call.” “I’ve never lied to Laura before.” “It’s not a lie.” Blade said firmly. “Besides, do you tell her when she doesn’t look pretty?” “She always looks pretty.”
****
Lydrion had long been asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Laura, unable to sleep, sat a distance away, hugging her knees. She wondered, briefly, if anyone was looking for her. “Hector…” She whispered. He didn’t stir. Laura felt very alone, but she had no regrets in coming. If her father had asked for her, she had no choice. The same sense of understanding that had allowed her to follow Raythor into the forest beckoned her to trust Hector. She had never understood that feeling, and had never once felt it around Markus. Markus… What was her best friend, her confidante, feeling right now? She had been thinking what her words would do to him, only how much relief they would give her. She then proceeded to become filled with anxiety, an emotion far more familiar to her, over Markus’s current mental state. Then it moved in a progression of nerves, moving to Raythor’s health, Dasher’s fatigue, even what Ketra must be thinking of her right now. Laura realized then what the feeling was. Her sense of abandonment drew her to those who felt just as lost. She had always known how alone Raythor was, even before who he really was came out. Markus had been so sheltered when she first met him; he was almost as lonely…
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:10:09 GMT -5
Her eyelids began to feel heavy. She wondered, before she drifted off to sleep, where she had heard the name Hector before.
****
Kenetari gazed contemptuously at the soldier, who was flinching under her observant eyes. “Caldria…is gone?” “Yes…yes, Lady Whitestar. We were both dismissed from guarding the door by Lord Ja… Lord Benvolio.” “Is there no difference between my two brothers to you?” Kenetari asked impassively. She slid off the table she had been sitting on, moving up next to the trembling man. “I hope that is the case, and Jason was not here. Failing to capture him or inform me of his presence would result in your immediate and unfortunate death.” “Yes, I know that, Lord Jason has not been in my presence since he ran away, milady.” “I had hoped you would say that.” Kenetari said, turning to face Benvolio. He looked almost as nervous as the soldier did, especially with Runner kneading his claws into his owner’s shoulder. “Benvolio, remind me again of what you said.” “Caldria tricked me into sending away the guards. She told me to use Jason’s name, so they’d listen to me.” Benvolio said, hair in his eyes, trying not to sound rehearsed. “He won’t explain how Miss Archer tricked him.” The soldier added unwisely. Kenetari frowned. “Do you expect me to believe that my brother is lying? My dear, sweet baby brother?” “N-no, m-my l-lady…” He shuttered, involuntarily backing up a step. Kenetari whipped out her sword, and pressed the point against his chest. “You are on ice so thin a feather could break through, understand?” “Yes, Lady Whitestar.” “Find Caldria before Lydrion returns or I’ll make sure that you’re sent home in a thousand pieces.” “Of course, milady, right away.” The soldier ran out, face pale. Kenetari frowned again. “I might kill him anyway. What’s his name, Benvolio?” “I think its Charles. Do you really have to kill him? This is my fault.” “Nonsense,” Kenetari replied briskly, “No doubt Caldria has just as many ways to deceive people as Lydrion does. You have such an odd aversion to death.” She started toward the door, and Benvolio struggled to speak. “Why are you so obsessed with Raythor Carpenter?” She stopped. “It’s Karian.” She told him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I know you, Ken. You’re my sister.” “You wouldn’t understand.” She left, and Benvolio didn’t follow. They still thought he didn’t know the truth.
Chapter Thirty Three
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:10:27 GMT -5
Daughter
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” Markus practically yelled. Dione shrugged. Rea, by her side, looked concerned. “It didn’t seem important at the time.” The maid added, as though she were trying to explain away her shrug. “Bunch of nonsense.” “What exactly did Lydrion and Laura say?” “First, they were talking about James for some reason. Then they moved onto this guy named Vyncent or Virgil or something like that, talking about how long it had been since they had seen him. He said they had to leave now, and she wanted to know why, and if she could bring ‘the others’. He answered that it was dangerous, and he might have said your name. That’s all I remember.” “That means if she’s alive,” Markus swallowed, “Then Lydrion is taking her to Vyncent’s.” “Why would he bother?” Dione asked, and Rea jabbed her with her elbow. “Dione, really!” “Oh, sorry. Even if she is dead, I doubt they’ll want the body.” “Dione!” “Oh, damn. I did it again, didn’t I?” Dione frowned. Markus appeared to be terribly distraught over this exchange, so Rea took Dione’s arm and firmly led her away. The prince felt like screaming, but he refused to give up hope. The image of his father’s face flashed before his eyes. Even if Laura died, and he forced himself to accept that as a possibility, he would be expected not to care. Princes did not mourn the death of maids. Gray-eyed little boys, however, did not give up on their best friends.
****
“Raythor’s being a jerk.” Blade said, somewhat randomly. Dasher, sitting next to him and generally being bored in the courtyard, decided to make an argument of it. “Well, Anella isn’t standing up for herself. Again.” “At least she wouldn’t marry herself if given the chance.” “Raythor and Raythor is a totally great couple. They could have many children who sit in the corner and say smart things.” “Or cry about their terrible lives.” “He never cries.” “Neither does Anella.” “It’s still her fault. She shouldn’t be jealous of Kylara, he doesn’t even like her.” “She isn’t jealous; she’s just smarter than you for staying away from melancholy boy.” “Raythor’s just trying to protect her from crazy Kenetari.” Dasher countered. Then she laughed. “Do you know how sad it is, that we’re sitting here arguing over other elementists not love lives?” “While I agree with that statement, you just said other elementists. They’re humans.” “Ah, what’s the difference?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:10:47 GMT -5
“Didn’t Anella say that?” “Didn’t Raythor say that he would never forgive himself if his carelessness got Anella hurt?” She said proudly, as if there were no possible counter to that. Blade rolled his eyes. “Fine, Light.” “Let’s try Markus and Laura. I call Laura.” “I’m not letting you talk to Theo ever again.”
****
“Markus,” Audrion said, standing in front of his son and frowning so deeply it looked as though the creases would never come out of his face. “Father,” Markus said, completely unsure of what his father wanted. “What has happened to my son?” “Nothing?” Markus asked hopefully, knowing he was going to get yelled at. “You’ve broken your engagement with Rose, you’ve got all the maids searching for that worthless Laura and you’ve made no attempt to explain your actions. Peasants are clearly having a poor influence on you.” “I’m sorry.” “I’d expect this sort of thing from Ketra, but not from you. I want the search called off immediately.” “I’ve already done that, Mother’s finding me a new wife and I don’t have an explanation that would satisfy you.” “Oh,” Audrion said, surprised the boy hadn’t tried to argue. “Fine then. I suppose you’ve heard the story of your birth, then?” “Want to disown me?” “Don’t be impudent. You are my son, you are to be king. There is no question of that.” “Do I have your permission to continue on with the Royalty of Everglade? I won’t be gone for much longer.” “Yes, I don’t want to make Queen Rea unhappy. Our ties with Carina are very important.” “Great. Guess I’ll go now, then.” “What about Laura?” Audrion said. Markus inhaled sharply. “Uh… She’s got green eyes?” “She’s in love with you.” “Yes, she is.” “What about you?” Audrion said impatiently. Markus toyed with several answers before deciding on one that would placate his father. “I’m a prince. Of course not.”
****
Almost two weeks had passed. Lydrion and Laura didn’t talk a lot, but when they did speak she could tell that there was something bothering him. She kept trying to draw it out of him, and he’d draw away and change the subject. Laura knew she was getting
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:11:15 GMT -5
closer, though, inch by inch, and she herself held nothing back. She had no secrets left to hide. “How much longer, Hector?” Laura asked, peeking over her shoulder. This was a habit she had developed over the course of the week. Three times, she could have sworn she heard a rustling, twice seen a flash. Once, when she had fallen asleep before Hector had, she awoke to hear him talking to someone. It may have been a dream… “Likely as not, we’ll be there before sunset tomorrow.” The boy replied. Cordial and casual as his manner might be, there was something about Hector that frightened her. It could have been because the nightmares were getting worse, or her belief that he was causing all the sounds and voices, even the way he moved with such exact precision. Regardless, after she had heard the other voice she always made sure that he fell asleep before she did. Sometimes Laura had to pretend to sleep, when she became too wrapped in the idea that he was watching her. It was as though knowing that she was soon to meet her father had broken her, for the very thought not longer held the whispered allure that it once had. More and more, she worried about her far away group mates. Laura was sleeping little and she was becoming unable to focus on the few words Hector did say. She could hardly function anymore. “Do you miss the blue-haired guy who yelled at me?” Lydrion asked casually, “He’s the prince, right?” “Markus… yes, he is. I guess I do.” Laura said, “To tell the truth, I’m too nervous to miss anyone.” “I know how that is.” “Do you miss anyone?” “Someone I shouldn’t be.” He said, with a very mysterious smile. “Old girlfriend.” “Maybe you should tell her that.” “I don’t think so.” Lydrion said. Such a nice girl, just like her mother was. Pity that she had to die.
****
Markus, unwilling leader, rode at the party’s head. Ranier kept almost constant pace with Eclipse. Anella had been talking a lot with Markus over the last few days. On the first day, she had ridden alone in the back refusing to speak to anyone. That night the prince had found her, sensing that she needed someone. He asked her questions, she answered, and he gladly told her everything she wanted to know. Anella knew that he was worried about Laura, but he hid it so well, so that he could be there for her instead. It was a pleasant alliance, one she hoped would last. Raythor had been all too willing to draw back, claiming he was ‘protecting’ her from Kenetari, whom no one, not even sharp eyed Blade, had seen. And, though the girl hadn’t known who he really was, Laura had left willingly with Lydrion. Blade had eventually joined them as well, he seemed to just fit. Ketra was silent all the time, as though she were in mourning for an event that hadn’t yet taken place. Rose and Dasher stayed together, with the depressed Ketra trailing behind them. Rose kept coming back to the memory of her, Dasher and Laura in
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:11:34 GMT -5
Sinclair’s house, promising to look after each other and to look after Anella. Now one of them was gone, maybe dead, two of them no more than shadows. Dasher, as always, was thinking. She was either analyzing the distance between Laura and the group, or going over how she could have stopped Laura from leaving at all. She saw little of Blade and less of Raythor. Kylara, on the other hand, was by his side every waking second. His face was perpetually blank, but she could not look happier. Other than the contented ex-assassin, Saria was the only one who seemed at all joyful. Gabriel was more vacant than ever, Tallith sulked, Firelight walked instead of skipped. Theo hadn’t even attempted to be funny in days, though many would argue that he never had been in the first place. Dione was so crabby Rea wouldn’t walk next to her. Then, by luck or providence, a figure approached. A little fewer than twenty swords were drawn at once, horses turned. The absence of their best archer became especially acute. Yet, out of the trees came not anyone’s murderous sister, but Caldria. In her arms a little bundle was nestled, on her face the most powerful look of relief imaginable. Tears welled at the side of her dark eyes, but none fell. “David,” She said simply, softly, but it carried. Weapons lowered, and David stepped forward slowly, as if in a dream. Caldria moved forward as well, and they soon stood, mere inches apart, gazing into each others eyes. “Cally? Cally, is that really you?” David asked, and his voice filled her. “This is your daughter. Our daughter, Emma.” Caldria said, a little shakily. She was met first with confusion, and then with what David called a smile. “I had no idea. But she’s beautiful, Cally, she really is.” Caldria moved the baby carefully into her father’s arms for the first time. He looked down into that innocent face. “She has your eyes.” Caldria wanted to hug him, but she would have crushed the baby, so she started crying very lightly instead. Kaslon came over cautiously. “David…is she?” “Yeah, she is.” “I’m an uncle!” Kaslon said gleefully, ignoring the fact he was not actually related to the baby. David did not disillusion him. “Would you hold her for a moment?” David asked, his eyes not leaving the baby’s face. “As long as she’s blonde, I’ll go right ahead and swim a moat.” Kaslon answered, his eyes laughing. He took little Emma, rocking her back and forth. David turned back to Caldria. “Cally…how…” “I knew you were going to ask that.” Caldria scolded. “Can’t you just be happy to see me for once?” They moved forward in unison, Cally’s head to his shoulder, and David’s fingers in her hair. She drew back, and their lips met. Kaslon smiled. Eventually the three of them walked back down the slight hill, David holding Emma, Caldria adjusting to what it was like to have free use of her arms. “You must be Cally.” Dione said. The other girl nodded. “That’s Emma.” “You know what, David?” David shook his head. “There’s no way that James would do anything that you’ve done. You’re lucky, Caldria.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:12:26 GMT -5
“I know.” She answered, giving David a tender look. The group left in much higher spirits.
****
Laura stood in the great stone doorway, unable to take another step. Every moment of foreboding constricted around her now, and it was a struggle just to stay standing. Hector stood patiently, waiting for her. Two servants stepped out to meet them. The girl servant smiled nervously. “Hello, my lady.” The boy servant said to the frozen Laura. “I am Tyligo Redstrong. This is my sister, Hydria.” The girl servant curtsied. She had hair of the faintest brown and almost violet eyes. Her brother was blonde, with blue eyes. “We have been serving your father since we came of age, milady. Our mother remembers when you were born.” “It’s a delight to finally meet you. Lord Vyncent is this way, when you feel ready to meet him.” Hydria added. “I’m ready.” Laura lied. It was so strange to have servants waiting on her, when she had spent most of her entire life as a servant. Four bodies glided silently down the hall. They ascended a flight of stairs and stood before a closed door. Hydria drew it open. “The lady Elaura Glasswater.” Tyligo announced formally. Laura and Hector stepped inside. Laura looked up to find herself staring back into eyes of the exact same color. The owner of those eyes was a large man, with thin brown hair covering his head. A pair of equally large hands rested on the table. A jagged scar ran across one of them, and Laura almost gasped when she saw it. “Elaura?” Vyncent said softly. “It’s Laura now,” She said, surprised at the ice in her voice. Here was the man who had abandoned her for so many years. Yet, at the same time, here was the reason she had been able to meet Markus at all. “I am Vyncent Glasswater, your father. Do you remember me?” “Barely.” “I’m sorry to tell you that your mother died three years ago.” “I’m very sorry for your loss.” Laura said, trying not to show her anger. He couldn’t even be bothered to write her and tell her that he mother was dead? “Please don’t look at me like that.” “This is how I always look. These eyes are the last thing you gave me.” Laura snapped, realizing that Hector had slipped out of the room. Vyncent had never even acknowledged his presence. The large man sighed. He raised his hand, clutching a bracelet of slightly yellowed pearls. Laura extended her own hand hesitantly and Vyncent’s meaty fingers opened and dropped the bracelet into her palm. “That was your mother’s.” Vyncent uttered gruffly. Laura founder herself smiling at him as she slipped the piece of jewelry on her wrist. He seemed relived, until he caught sight of the other bracelet on her slender wrist. “A promise bracelet?” “My friend found it and gave it to me. I doubt he knows what it is.” Laura explained hastily, her face reddening. “Would you want him to?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:12:54 GMT -5
“Does that matter?” “I want to know everything about you. You are my only child.” “Only child?” “Your mother couldn’t bear children after she had you, and I don’t plan to remarry.” Vyncent donned a broad grin, which was a trademark of his. He was almost always smiling. “Look at you, Elaura. You’re so tall, so lovely.” Laura concentrated hard on the table in front of her, murmuring a “Thank you” under her breath. “Isn’t a father supposed to compliment his daughter?” “I guess I wouldn’t know.” “Are you in love with anyone?” Laura had a flash of Markus telling her how pretty she looked when she cried. She shook her head. “Not really.” “Forgive me, you must be starving.” Vyncent stood, putting an arm around her shoulder and starting toward his dining hall. Laura didn’t struggle. She wasn’t sure she had the strength.
****
“We’re on watch until the moon is in the center of the sky, right?” Markus said, with a yawn. Anella nodded, watching the shadows around her start to disappear. “It’s not much longer.” She said. She looked over at Markus. His hair was even more interesting in the pale light of the moon… The moonbeams were touching her now, and clinging to her like silver. He met her eyes and his brow furrowed. “You look… different all of a sudden.” “Different?” Anella said. She felt so strange, and the moonlight seemed to be whispering to her. Staring at Markus made her realize how very handsome he was. “What?” The prince said. “Do I look strange too?” “No,” She said dreamily. “Are you-” Markus started. He cut off when someone behind him moved and he turned. “What was that?” He asked, facing her again. “Oh, nothing,” Anella assured him, shifting so that she was standing a little nearer to him than before. “Nothing?” “Nothing at all.” She stood across from him and moved closer, smiling now. “Why are you coming closer?” Markus asked. “Are you cold?” “Yes, I’m very cold,” She told him, taking another step, so that they were almost touching. “Uh… do you want me to get you a blanket or something?” “No, that’s not what I want.” Anella said, leaning in so that their noses were barely an inch apart. “Anella… what are you doing?” Markus asked, wondering if he should step back. But it was just Anella, she would never… Anella could feel his breath on her face, she was so close. She didn’t care what she was doing, she had to listen to the moonlight, and it was telling her to get closer.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:13:09 GMT -5
“Anella,” Markus said, putting his hands on her shoulders. He wasn’t sure what else to do. She kept her eyes locked on his, and her head tilted slightly, they were less than an inch apart now… For a second she just stared at him. Then a cloud went over the moon, and both of them were bathed in darkness. “Oh Markus!” Anella cried, pulling back quickly. “I’m so sorry; I don’t know why- I’m just so sorry.” She was glad it was so dark, so he couldn’t see how deeply she was blushing. “It’s… It’s all right…” Markus said, letting all the air out of his lungs. He tried to meet her eyes, but she wouldn’t look at him. “Oh Markus…” “You were going to kiss me… I think it was the moonlight…” He said slowly. She couldn’t respond, she was too horrified. Could the moonlight really do that to her? She had felt so strange… “Are you all right?” Markus asked, a little nervously. “Yes… I’m fine. Are you?” “Yeah… it’s just… for a second, I thought that you wanted to kiss me, not what ever force had you.” “I understand.” Anella said, though she didn’t entirely. “I have to go now.” She turned and went off in the other direction, leaving Markus standing there in a state of confusion. Markus put his hand over his mouth, wondering what to do, wondering just what had happened… After a few minutes, he went after her. “Anella?” Markus said tentatively. “I know you didn’t… I know you don’t feel that way about me. It’s fine; really, it wasn’t anything to feel badly about.” “It was like it was telling me to…” Anella trailed off, unable to say it aloud. “It wasn’t really you. You don’t talk that way normally, it didn’t even sound like you.” “Sort of like a trance…This has never happened before…” “I have some idea why… I mean, why you did what you… what you almost did.” Markus said hesitantly. She didn’t stop him. “It could have been taking something you already felt, and making it stronger. That would explain why it’s never happened before.” “There’s this story… about my family… that a long time ago, this woman started appearing. She only came at night and she seemed to look… silver. She wasn’t at all kind or gentle, and she used to… try and scare the women and…and… seduce the men.” “Oh…” Markus said, faint understanding registering in his expression. “What happened to her?” “She disappeared one day… people say she feel in love with a mortal and gave up her immortality to be with him. But, sometimes, at night… she turned silver again.” “Then you must be descended from her, because you…” “It’s just a story.” “But it makes sense, doesn’t it? Considering what…” “How could that even be possible?” Anella asked, managing to look at him again. “Look at me, I have blue hair. You could be descended from a moon goddess.” “I’m really sorry, Markus. Could we not… not mention this to…?” “We don’t have to say anything to anybody.” Markus said, smiling at her comfortingly. “Nothing really happened anyway. Get some sleep; I can take the end of the watch by myself. You look exhausted.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 1:14:03 GMT -5
****
An arrow landed an inch from Theo’s front paw. He stood up, startling Firelight, and stepped back. “Who shot that?” Theo demanded loudly. A few of the more curious looked around, but nobody said anything. “Judging by the way the arrow landed,” Dasher said, finally deigning to flick her eyes over Raythor, “it came from over there. No one was in proper range, at least not if they wanted to pierce the ground.” “Could you rephrase that?” “None of us are over there, greenie.” “See, now you’re speaking my language.” Theo said coyly. Before anyone could process this information, however, another arrow whizzed overhead, scrapping Firelight’s wing. A volley of arrows followed after that one. Dasher quickly formed a shield, but not fast enough to prevent her front leg from getting wounded. Blade and Firelight added their shields to Dasher’s. Theo, who had no power over any sort of light, jumped behind them. “Everyone, hurry!” Firelight called frantically. Briefly, chaos reigned. Screams, blood, voices and the inescapable arrows filled the air. Reluctantly, as the last of the party ducked behind the shields, Nightshade stepped forward and added her own. She had not been told what to do against her own soldiers, who soon came into view. “Is everyone all right?” Markus asked, now automatically taking charge. A few people took a single step toward him. Gabriel had been hit in the leg, Tallith scratched in the side, and Rea in the arm. The worst off was Kaslon, who was bleeding profusely from his thigh. “Gabriel, Tallith, and Rea can you fight?” Markus asked. Caldria supported Kaslon, helping him to the ground. “Yes,” Tallith said. “I believe so.” Gabriel replied. “I never could anyway,” Rea shrugged. “Good,” Markus said. “Kaslon, how serious is it?” “It doesn’t hurt that badly, but the bleeding is terrible.” Kaslon said bravely. “Must have punctured a vein.” “Dasher, is there anyway you could seal Kaslon’s wound, like you did with Anella’s?” “If Theo takes over for me,” Dasher called back. Her keen eyesight detected movement behind the archers, probably soldiers with swords. “We don’t have much time.” “I’ll be fine,” Kaslon said weakly, already pale. Theo snaked forward, moving between Dasher and Blade. He closed his eyes, claws digging into the earth. Sprouts formed under Dasher’s shield, slowly growing into twisting vines. Then they spread rapidly, weaving themselves over Dasher’s wall of light. Dasher rushed away, starting the spell to help Kaslon as soon as she could. David had Emma, and was kneeling by his friend and Rea. Caldria and Anella both drew bows, firing arrows into the approaching enemy. Altogether, there were only thirty men. Miraculously, Anella and Caldria’s arrows went through the shields. No other arrows did.
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